Poppy seeds, generally associated with sweets and rich gravies, are a wonderful source of iron! Here, they are used along with ridge gourd to make a quick and easy subzi. Ridge Gourd with Poppy Seeds has a nutty taste and pleasant texture that is very enjoyable. Serve hot with a roti of your choice.

Soak the poppy seeds in 2 tbsp of water in a small bowl and keep aside for 10 minutes. Do not drain the water.

Heat the oil in a deep non-stick kadhai and add the mustard seeds and red chillies.

When the seeds crackle, add the onions and sauté on a medium flame for 1 minute.

Add the ridge gourd and salt, mix well. Cover with a lid and cook on a medium flame for 5 minutes, while stirring occasionally.

Add the turmeric powder, chilli powder, green chillies and the poppy seeds-water mixture and mix well. Cover with a lid and cook on a medium flame for another 3 to 4 minutes or till all the water evaporates, while stirring occasionally.

Ridge gourd is not my favourite vegetable. But this subzi made me like the taste of ridge gourd. Not a very commmonly used vegetable. So one should try it on a day when they plan to make something different. Have with hot phulkas and you wont hate turai anymore.

Ridge gourd is not my favourite vegetable. But this subzi made me like the taste of ridge gourd. Not a very commmonly used vegetable. So one should try it on a day when they plan to make something different. Have with hot phulkas and you wont hate turai anymore.